Padres vs. Brewers recap: Running out of power

The San Diego Padres lost their home series against the Milwaukee Brewers, only winning the first game of the three-game series. 

Nick Martinez pitched in the first game of the series, pitching five innings while only giving up two runs. The Padres had to go to extra innings, where Jose Azocar hit in the game-winning run. The Padres won the game 2-1.

Unfortunately, the next game for the Padres did not result in a victory. The only hitters to record multiple hits in the game were Manny Machado and Eric Hosmer. Blake Snell was the starting pitcher for the game, pitching 5 ⅓ innings and giving up three runs. He received a loss for his efforts.

In the last game of the series, starting pitcher Yu Darvish had a quality start. He pitched 6.2 innings, with seven strikeouts while only giving up two runs. Despite his solid effort, the Padres lineup was only able to produce one run on five hits. The Padres ended up losing 2-1 in the game. 

The Padres were only able to muster five runs in 28 innings. None of the hitters even recorded an extra-base hit

The Padres starting rotation has pitched 247 ⅓ innings so far this season with a 3.31 ERA. No other team in the league has a starting rotation with more innings pitched than the Padres. 

After the series sweep of the San Francisco Giants over the weekend, the Padres appeared to have their offense figured out. They scored 20 runs in the three-game series. Unfortunately, this series against the Brewers showed that there needs to be more production from batters not named Manny Machado or Eric Hosmer.

Fernando Tatis Jr. could be able to provide the much-needed offensive production once he returns. Unfortunately, a recent MRI on his injured wrist showed that there is not enough progress for Tatis to start swinging again. He is eligible to return in June, but a timetable will not be provided until progress on his injured wrist is shown.

The Padres lineup has done a decent job of getting on base. However, the team has shown a clear lack of power, with only a .359 slugging percentage. That percentage is good for 23rd in the MLB. The Padres 32 home runs are tied for 25th in the MLB. Adding a power hitter like Tatis would do wonders for the Padres lineup.

The Padres record now sits at 28-16 and they are now 1.5 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

The team’s next series will be against the Pirates in another home series. The Pirates are currently 18-25. The Padres won their first series against the Pirates earlier this season, winning two out of the three games in the series.